Shortly after midnight Thursday, the Padres’ social media accounts appeared to suggest a thaw in a historically sluggish free-agent market.

The team’s Instagram account posted a photo, sans caption, of Eric Hosmer in action with the Kansas City Royals, the Padres’ primary competition for the first-base target.

The post existed for a matter of minutes before it was deleted.

Soon, the team’s Twitter account stirred at a similarly odd hour. The first post told followers to “Stay tuned,” followed by an emoji depicting bulging eyes. A second message directly mentioned Hosmer by his Twitter handle, but did not elaborate.

Those, too, were promptly deleted, though that did not quiet speculation. Screenshots preserved the posts for posterity.

So, what to make of the Padres’ late-night broadcasts?

Apparently, it was not their doing.

Team officials Thursday morning said both accounts were hacked. Sources also confirmed that the club does not have an imminent agreement with Hosmer.

“The Padres social media accounts were inappropriately accessed last night, and messages that were inaccurate and unauthorized were posted,” the Padres said in a statement. “MLB Cybersecurity is now investigating the matter, and we apologize for any confusion.”

For now, a slow offseason lurches on.

In reality, the Padres have been as active as most teams since the World Series. But, like many others, they have not spent much on the open market. Like many others, they have become wary of long-term commitments to players approaching or already in their 30s.

Trades that brought back Freddy Galvis, Chase Headley and Bryan Mitchell qualify as noteworthy moves this winter. San Diego signed relievers Craig Stammen and Kazuhisa Makita to affordable deals.

It has been weeks since the Padres offered a seven-year, nine-figure contract to Hosmer, but agent Scott Boras likely will continue to wait, and hope, for a sweeter proposal. The Royals, Hosmer’s incumbent club, also seem to have made an offer.

The Padres continue to seek a veteran backup for Galvis at shortstop. Ironically, Ryan Goins may have been an option; the former Toronto infielder on Wednesday signed a minor league deal with Kansas City, and will attempt to win an opening-day job with the Royals.

Where Hosmer will be on March 29 remains to be seen. To date, other public suitors have not emerged.

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